METRO and ACRL/NY Announce Publication of The Global Librarian

In the US and around the world, talented librarians are asserting themselves anew in the digital age, proving that they continue to be invaluable resources in the 21st century. An exciting new book, The Global Librarian, sets out this new vision of librarians across the globe.

global_librarianProduced by the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO) and the New York Metropolitan Area Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL/NY), The Global Librarian demonstrates that librarians have designed and implemented creative ways in which to serve the information and knowledge creation needs of their patrons, directly and remotely. With contributions from over 25 professionals working in wildly different libraries across the world, and with 17 case studies celebrating the innovative programs and services offered by library professionals, The Global Librarian highlights the important relationships librarians forge within their local communities and aims to shine a light on the vital role played by librarians today and reveal their ambitions for tomorrow.

This book is a response to the shortsighted perceptions that libraries and professional librarians are obsolete in the age of the internet, says Jason Kucsma, Executive Director of METRO. ACRL/NY President, Carrie Netzer Wajda adds,  Libraries are essential democratic institutions that provide access to information, technology, and expertise to people from all walks of life, and the librarians featured in The Global Librarian are just a small sample of professionals actively working to tailor their services to the changing expectations of their constituent communities.

Whether addressing the challenge of maintaining quality service to patrons at locations across continents, finding ways to come to terms with changing demographics, or acknowledging the need for cultural awareness and  digital divide issues, The Global Librarian will offer librarians both practical advice and trade secrets on how to get out from behind the reference desk, redefine their profession and prove their relevance as information specialists in a growing collaborative global community.

The Global Librarian was edited by Jason Kucsma (METRO); Lisa Chow and Sandra Sajonas (People Interact); Caroline Fuchs and Carrie Netzer Wajda (ACRL/NY). It is now available for purchase in ebook format.

Released: July 09th, 2013 07:40 AM